Kathmandu Post

Girl burnt alive : Shiwa Hasmi’s mom and brother arrested

BARDIA, DEC 18 -
Police on Tuesday detained the mother and brother of Shiwa Hasmi, the woman who was set on fire on December 8. Hasina and Siddhu were taken into custody from their Bardia-based house after their statements did not match with the one taken from Shiwa on deathbed. She was airlifted to Kathmandu and admitted to the Bir Hospital on Monday, but showed little improvement and died on Wednesday. Ninety percent of her body was burnt.

Earlier, it was said that an Indian man named Babu Khan, 23, (Hasmi’s boyfriend) set her on fire by pouring petrol on her in Bardia. However, neighbours suspected family members’ involvement in the crime. Local people had told representatives from the National Women Commission and other rights watchdogs that the family of Shiwa was against her love affair with Khan. The family had earlier charged that Khan set the victim on fire for refusing to elope with him. Contrary to the family’s claim, the locals reported that it was impossible for Khan to pour petrol over Shiwa from outside the compound of her house. A few neighbours had even seen Shiwa run towards the courtyard from inside the house. It was also reported that Khan was called to Shiwa’s house and thrashed badly two days before the incident.

Khan is in police custody currently. However, he has denied all the allegations against him.